Mamelodi Sundowns continues with their bid to finish the season without a loss while Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch’s fight for a second-spot finish were halted by both teams’ respective losses to Richards Bay FC who edged Pirates 1-0 and Moroka Swallows shocked Stellies to a 2-0 humbling.
Cape Town Spurs have been relegated back to the second tier following Richards Bay’s victory against the Bucs. The latter’s chance at escaping playing the play-off rest on the shoulders of Royal AM to drop points while they collect the much-needed two points that will see them finish above the 15th place.
Here is this weekend’s DStv Premiership previews and predictions:
Saturday, May 18
2/1 TS Galaxy | Draw 2/1 | Orlando Pirates 22/10 (15:00)
The Rockets have suffered a dip in form which has seen them going without a win in their past four league matches. They lost 3-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns and that was followed by three straight draws. They are still in a good place to qualify for CAF competitions should they avoid dropping points.
The Sea Robbers on the other hand failed to impress when they went down 1-0 against Richards Bay in front of their home fans. They will be out for redemption when they visit Galaxy in a must-win match to overtake Stellenbosch in the second position and qualify for CAF Champions League. Pirates to edge Galaxy.
21/20 Cape Town City | Draw 33/20 | Richards Bay FC 29/10 (15:00)
The Citizens showed character despite not securing all three points when they held TS Galaxy to a 1-1 draw. A top-five finish may still be on the card for them should they manage to collect maximum points in the two remaining games. They face the daunting task of overcoming the relegation-threatened Richards Bay FC.
The Natal Rich Boyz were impressive when they defeated another Soweto giant to keep their hopes of surviving the drop alive. They are heading to this match with momentum on their side having avoided defeat in their last three games winning two and the other one ending in a tie. Richards Bay to win.
17/10 Kaizer Chiefs | Draw 7/4 | Polokwane City 37/10 (15:00)
Amakhosi’s bid to finish in the top eight was halted by AmaZulu who held them to a 1-1 draw at Moses Mabhida. There is still a glimmer of hope for the Glamour Boys if they can collect all three points against the Limpopo side and in the closing match against Cape Town Spurs.
Buoyed by two consecutive goalless draws, Rise and Shine will need to start finding the back of the net to be able to book all three points and finish in the top eight. They are currently ninth on the log with 35 points. Kaizer Chiefs to beat Polokwane.
5/4 Golden Arrows | Draw 37/20 | Cape Town Spurs 43/20 (15:00)
Abafana Bes’thende are winless in their past seven matches and this has seen them remain rooted in the bottom half of the log with 34 points. Steve Komphela will need to get back to the drawing board and find the winning formula for the Durban side to finish the season strong.
Already relegated Spurs will be looking for a win in their last remaining two games to close their top-flight season on a high note before returning to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. This is also a chance for the young players to advertise themselves in an effort to be picked up by PSL teams. Spurs to win.
12/10 Royal AM | Draw 2/1 | Chippa United 22/10 (15:00)
Royal AM find themselves seated too close to the relegation zone following five back-to-back losses. They are currently on 29 points having lost 14 matches, played five draws and recorded eight wins. They will need to use this match to turn things around to be able to save themselves from being overtaken by their KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay.
The Chilli Boys broke their three-match losing streak by holding Golden Arrows in a match where they scored first but failed to defend their lead. They are also coming to this match with a score to settle having suffered a 3-2 loss in their last meeting with John Maduka’s side. Chippa United to come out victorious.
29/20 Sekhukhune United | Draw 15/10 | AmaZulu 23/10 (15:00)
Sekhukhune will be looking to close the seven points gap between them and Orlando Pirates with a win against AmaZulu. This will not be an easy task for them given their inability to score that they have been displaying lately having scored only three goals in their past five matches.
Usuthu will be aiming to build from their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs in a bid to crack the top eight. They face a side that has proven to be a bit difficult to beat and will need to pull out all the stop for a win. Pablo Martin Frank will rely on experienced players including Riaan Hanamub, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Abbubaker Mobara and Hendrick Ekstein to secure a win for his side. I see this match ending in a draw.
22/10 Stellenbosch | Draw 2/1 | Mamelodi Sundowns 12/10 (15:00)
Redemption will be on the card for the Cape Wine Landers when they face Mamelodi Sundowns who knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup in the semi-final following a 2-1 defeat. Stellies are yet to recover from this loss as it was followed by a goalless draw against AmaZulu and a 2-0 defeat against Moroka Swallows.
The defending champion’s unbeaten run will be at risk when they face the Western Cape side who are currently having their best season since gaining promotion to the top-flight. We look to see if they can finish the season without a league loss. A draw will be the outcome of this match.
1/1 SuperSport United | Draw 21/10 | Moroka Swallows 5/2
Gavin Hunt’s side will welcome Moroka Swallows in a must-win match that may see them jump to the fourth spot. They are currently on 40 points and would like to finish in the top four and return to continental competition. They managed to edge Swallows 2-1 in their last meeting and will be looking to pull a double.
The Dube Birds will be looking to stay on the winning lane following their resounding 2-0 win against Stellenbosch. Gabadinho Mhango has been scoring important goals for the Birds and is expected to trouble the home side’s defence. A win may take them to the ninth spot. This match will end in a draw.
Written by @siphesihlesoni